The June/July National Geographic Traveler cover image was taken by a photographer from National Geographic’s Your Shot photo community

WASHINGTON (May 18, 2018)—Today, National Geographic Traveler and Your Shot, National Geographic’s global online photo community, announced the cover image for Traveler’s June/July 2018 issue. The image, which includes Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, was captured by Takashi Nakazawa, a Japanese photographer. Nakazawa submitted the photo as part of “The Trip That Changed My Life” Your Shot assignment that invited photographers from around the world to submit a photo from a life-changing trip. National Geographic Travel editors selected Nakazawa’s image from nearly 20,000 submissions. This marks the second time in Traveler’s history that a Your Shot member’s photo has graced the cover. The June/July 2018 “Epic Summer” issue of Traveler is on newsstands May 29, 2018.

The team at Traveler selected Nakazawa’s beautiful image of a five-story pagoda with Mount Fuji as the backdrop in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The image features three Japanese icons—cherry blossoms, pagodas and Mount Fuji. Nakazawa’s photo was chosen by a panel of National Geographic Travel judges that included Editor in Chief George Stone, Director of Photography Anne Farrar, and Photo Editor Jeff Heimsath.

This Your Shot photo assignment encouraged photographers to think like National Geographic photographers and tell strong, groundbreaking stories using the power of photography. “Our mission is to tell unforgettable stories about unforgettable places,” said Stone. “That’s why we love working with the Your Shot community, photographers who are traveling the world every minute, every day, and capturing moments that reveal the epic beauty all around us. We are excited to feature Your Shot photographers in this issue—and especially on the cover. Reviewing 20,000 images has left us with an even greater appreciation for the talents of the next generation of National Geographic photographers.”

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